A VET in Ashton-under-Lyne is helping dog owners understand why fireworks can trigger a genuine fear response in their pets, with some dogs experiencing physical symptoms of stress even when the danger is not obvious.
Amanda Smith, clinical director at Gourley Veterinary Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, is raising awareness of the impact fireworks can have on dogs ahead of Bonfire Night.
While some dogs may sleep through a fireworks display, others may tremble, bark, hide or attempt to escape. Dogs can detect sounds from around four times further away than humans and can also hear higher-frequency sounds, meaning fireworks may be experienced differently by their canine companions.
Amanda said: “We experience fireworks knowing exactly what they are, when we’re likely to hear them and that they aren’t a threat. Our dogs don’t have that explanation.
“Imagine suddenly hearing an extremely loud, unpredictable noise when you don’t know where it has come from. For some dogs, their body responds as though there is something they need to protect themselves from.
“These aren’t dogs being naughty or overreacting. They can be outward signs of a very real fear response.”
Research involving dogs with a history of firework sensitivity has identified changes in their autonomic nervous system when exposed to recorded firework sounds.
Observed behaviours include trembling, freezing, barking, hiding, searching for the source of the noise and attempting to run away.
However, fear is not always obvious. Some dogs may pace, pant, become restless, refuse food, quietly leave a room or seek unusual places to lie down.
The reasons behind these reactions can vary, with genetics, age, health, previous experiences and learning all potentially playing a role. Pain can also make some dogs more sensitive to noise.
Amanda said: “Owners sometimes wonder why their new puppy is frightened when their previous dog wasn’t, or why two dogs living in exactly the same household react completely differently.
“Fear can also change during a dog’s lifetime. So, if a dog suddenly develops a sensitivity to noise when it hasn’t been frightened before, I’d recommend talking to your vet.”
Research has also suggested that the effects of fireworks can last beyond Bonfire Night itself.
One study involving 1,225 dogs found that although three-quarters of fearful dogs had recovered by the following morning, 12 per cent took up to a week, while more than three per cent took several weeks or even months.
Repeated exposure to fireworks is also not guaranteed to help dogs become accustomed to the noise. Some can instead become increasingly sensitive over time.
To help dogs cope, owners are advised to create a safe, familiar space where their pets can retreat, close curtains to reduce flashes of light and provide background noise to help mask the sound of fireworks.
Keeping dogs indoors while fireworks are being let off can also help reduce their exposure to sudden noises.
Owners should allow their pets to choose how they seek comfort, as some may want reassurance from their owners while others prefer to retreat to a hiding place.
For dogs with established firework fears, longer-term support can include carefully managed desensitisation and counterconditioning, alongside veterinary assessment and behavioural advice. Appropriate anti-anxiety medication may also be considered.
Amanda is encouraging owners not to wait until Bonfire Night to seek help, particularly if they already know their dog struggles with fireworks.